EDMUNDS.COM 2004 LEXUS RX 330
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| Editors'' Review |
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 Summary
What Edmunds.com Says
Offering all the refinement of its predecessor, the RX 330 improves upon an already well-rounded luxury SUV with added style, interior space, features and agility.
Pros
Well-appointed interior, smooth ride, loaded with high-tech features.
Cons
Can get expensive with options, less powerful than some of its competitors.
What''s New for 2004
The RX 330 is a fully redesigned replacement for the top-selling RX 300.
Overview
Introduction:
You''ve heard the expression "don''t mess with success." That adage could well have been applied to Lexus'' best-selling RX 300. As the best-selling model in the Lexus lineup, the RX 300 was showing no signs of slowing down despite its advancing age. So it must have been with great caution that Lexus undertook the redesign of the RX -- messing it up could have dire financial consequences. If ever there was a textbook definition of "improvement," the RX 330 has to be it. The RX 330 is sleeker, more powerful, roomier and has an even more luxurious interior than its well-regarded predecessor. Of course, the new RX still offers everything that made the RX 300 a sales success. The elevated seating position, forgiving ride and smooth drivetrain are still there, only more so. If you''re looking to the RX 330 to handle all of your family-hauling needs, you might want to consider the GX 470 or LX 470 instead as the RX continues to take a pass on third-row seating. Lexus claims that its research shows that most RX buyers do not have children under the age of 18 -- call the RX 330 the choice of the baby boom generation. While the original RX 300 offered plenty of luxury in an SUV package, the RX 330 ups the ante in terms of both luxury and performance. A full set of auto-dimming mirrors is standard on the RX 330 as are memory seating, a power passenger seat, steering wheel-mounted audio controls, four one-touch power windows and heated sideview mirrors. An all-new V6 power plant works with a five-speed automatic transmission to provide improved acceleration and better mileage. Revised suspension and steering systems maintain the previous vehicle''s comfortable ride while providing improved road feel and a tighter turning radius. A major sticking point on the old RX was the curious manner in which all the climate control and audio system functions were housed in one screen in vehicles equipped with a navigation system. The RX 330 has a much improved design, as the stereo controls are now separate. Climate controls and navigation controls still share a space, but the overall system is not clunky like before. Audiophiles can rejoice at the newly available Mark Levinson stereo, a feature previous RX owners had to do without. Already a well-rounded vehicle, the RX 330 is an even better example of what a luxury crossover utility can be. Improved performance, a larger interior and plenty of unique features make the RX stand out in an already competitive segment. With new competitors cropping up at nearly every turn, Lexus looks as though it updated its top seller just in time.
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For Pricing information, see Edmunds'' Pricing page. |
Body Styles, Trim Levels and Options:
The RX 330 is available in two styles; front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive. The standard equipment list includes items such as power-adjustable front seats, stability and traction control, second-row seats that slide and recline, dual-zone climate control and an in-dash six-disc CD changer. The options list is extensive, with most major components bundled together into packages. One package adds a navigation system along with a Mark Levinson audio system while another adds 18-inch wheels and tires, air suspension and leather upholstery among other things. Notable options include headlights that swivel when you turn, a rear mounted camera for seeing what''s behind you and a rear-seat DVD entertainment system with wireless headphones.
Powertrains and Performance:
The RX 330 is powered by a new 3.3-liter V6 rated at 230 horsepower and 242 lb-ft of torque. Equipped with the available Performance Package, and its automanual shifter, Lexus claims the RX 330 is the fastest crossover SUV on the market with a 0-to-60-mph time of 7.7 seconds for the front-wheel-drive version. Like its predecessor, the RX 330 offers a full-time all-wheel-drive system that automatically adjusts the division of power between the front and rear wheels based on available traction. The big change in the system is that it is now electronically controlled and managed by the Vehicle Skid Control (VSC) system.
Safety:
Although the RX 330 has yet to be crash tested, standard front, side, head and even driver''s knee airbags should assure excellent protection in all types of crashes. Standard stability and traction control systems also lend an added measure of active safety to the RX''s considerable repertoire of safety devices.
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For more Safety information, see Edmunds'' Safety page. |
Interior Design and Special Features:
The RX 330''s interior is significantly more stylish and contemporary-looking than that of its predecessor. Three round chrome-rimmed gauges house the vital information while an angular center pod tapering into an attractive center console houses the audio/nav system and climate control functions. Metallic-finished surfaces combined with rich wood really drive the RX''s luxury theme home. Like the sleeker exterior, the RX 330''s interior presents a sportier, more youthful look. There''s also a 40/20/40-split rear seat that slides and reclines for maximum passenger comfort. In back, the RX offers 84.7 cubic feet of cargo space as well as an optional power-operated liftgate.
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For more Interior Features information, see Edmunds'' Specifications page. |
Driving Impressions:
As expected, the RX 330 delivers all the smoothness and sophistication one would expect from Lexus. The revised V6 offers plenty of power and refinement and the five-speed transmission handles it well. Occasionally, the five-speed seems to get confused, but overall it offers seamless shifts at all speeds. Due to the luxurious intent of the RX 330, handling is a little on the soft side. There is some body lean when cornering but the vehicle never feels floaty or uncontrollable. Handling is improved significantly with the Performance Package and its air suspension upgrade. With that option, cornering is nearly flat, but ride quality is not compromised -- it still feels like a Lexus.
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For more Driving Impressions, Recent Articles and Car Awards from Edmunds'' editors, see Edmunds'' Road Tests page. |
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